stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈti-grə-fē 

1

: geology that deals with the origin, composition, distribution, and succession of strata

2

: the arrangement of strata

Examples of stratigraphy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The laws of stratigraphy are a set of fundamental rules that reveal the history of Earth. — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2025

In the other camp are those who argue that the Anthropocene, pretty much by definition, lies outside the purview of stratigraphy. — Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024

Geology — and specifically stratigraphy, or the study of rock layers — had rolled back the age of the Earth by hundreds of millions of years. — Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 22 June 2023

To determine the stratigraphy of the site, the order and relative positions of the rock layers, Archaeology Scotland opened two test pits. — Franz Lidz, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stratigraphy

• biostratigraphy

Kids Definition

stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈtig-rə-fē 

: geology that deals with the beginnings, composition, distribution, and succession of the layers of rock in the earth's crust

Medical Definition

stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈtig-rə-fē 

plural stratigraphies

: tomography